Belding firefighters prepare to assist Consumers Energy crews with retrieving a high voltage power line from the Flat River

BELDING — More than 100 people are without power in Belding after a high voltage power line fell into the Flat River.
The primary line fell into the river around 3 p.m. near York and Morton streets at East Riverside Park. Consumers Energy crews are on the scene attempting to repair it.
The Consumers crew on the scene requested larger trucks. The Belding Fire Department is bringing a boat and rescue equipment to assist Consumers with removing the power line.
Consumers spokesman Terry Dedoes said 134 customers currently are affected. Belding Fire Chief Gregg Moore said most of the area south of the river has lost power while outages are spotty north of the river.
The outage may spread north of the river for a short time if Consumers crews need to shut off power to make repairs.
Dedoes expects power will be restored around 6:30 p.m.